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I'm hoping some of the many experienced Subie mechanics here will answer some questions I have about my '99 Outback Sport's engine. I have done some online searches, and some of the info I have found has been less than credible. Here are my questions:

1.) From what I gather, my car has the 2.2 L SOHC engine, 'Phase II,' for which '99 was the first year.

a.) Is this engine a 'non-interference' design? I bought the car from a dealer with 218,500 mi. It seems to have been well maintained, and has records showing 'scheduled maintenance performed', but the records don't specify timing belt change. I asked the dealer about this, and he claimed the belt had been inspected and was good. However, I don't want to entrust my Subaru's life to a dealer's claim.

b.) Are there any other common issues with this generation engine? I really want to get as many miles as possible out of this car, and the transmission may go before the engine (already has some problems with 2nd gear synchro), but I want to do everything I can to get to 300,000 +.

The last year of the non-interference in the 2.2 was 1996. Your '99 is an interference engine so a timing belt problem/failure often leads to bent valves. Even if the belt is OK, often one of the pulleys can seize up and cause timing to jump. Replacing a timing belt is pretty easy on the 2.2 and kits run about $150-200(they include new belt, pulleys, and a water pump. Your car has the newer design timing belt tensioner and the consensus is those should be replaced when you do the belt/pulleys.

Replacing the water pump, cam seals, crank seal, and oil pump oring/resealing the oil plate would be wise while the timing belt is off. All that stuff resides behind the timing belt so twice the labor if you're back in there again. Do all this and you're done for 100,000 miles.